...Takahiko Nomaguchiis going with a shorter stride this year (from 6 feet lengths to 5 feet lengths). During the game on Saturday, Nomaguchi had trouble establishing a set stride with runners on base and ended up losing control of his pitches.

...Tetsuya Utsumithrew 55 pitches during a bullpen session on Saturday. Utsumi appeared to have some difficulty keeping his curve and cutter down in the strikezone.

...Additional notes from Saturday's practice game against the Hiroshima Carp:

Hisayoshi Chono started in left and batted 8th. He picked up single in the 2nd, his first hit against a non-Giants' team during a practice game.

Taishi Ohtastarted at third and batted 9th. Ohta went 0-for-3 at the plate (ground out to third, fly out to center, ground out to short) and also made a throwing miscue in the 4th.